Background:

Primary lymphoma of the spinal vertebrae (PLSV) is an exceedingly rare disease with an unclear optimal treatment plan. We analyzed the clinical features of PLSV in the patient to strengthen our understanding of the disease and to review the literature.

Case presentation:

A 65-year-old Persian man was admitted to our hospital with severe low back pain. The patient underwent radiological examinations including computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). These examinations revealed a lesion in the L3 vertebra. Histological analysis showed a high-grade lymphoma. The patient underwent an L3 corpectomy with expandable cage placement, followed by an L2-L4 lateral screw placement with rod fixation. Also, facetectomy, laminectomy, and total spondylectomy were performed. Pedicle screws were inserted from L1 to L5. Titanium mesh was placed on the post-laminectomy defect. The treatment continued with local radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Post-treatment, the patient showed no new neurological deficit, and in the final follow-up, the patient had achieved a good recovery.

Conclusion:

To our knowledge, no prior published literature has revealed a primary lymphoma of the lumbar vertebrae. Here, we report this case of PLSV for the first time and provide a brief review of the literature.